Community Recognition Statement: Dr Mark Lidwill

I had the privilege of unveiling the first blue plaque as part of the NSW Government Blue Plaque heritage programme. This plaque was installed in the memory of Dr Mark Lidwill (1878-1968) at his former home at now Arden Anglican School on Beecroft Road. I was joined by the Mayor of Hornsby Shire, Phillip Ruddock AM, the Principal of Arden School, Justin Beckett and Justin Littlemore, the great-grandson of Dr Lidwill. Dr Lidwill is credited as the inventor of the first pacemaker, a device that has since saved the lives of many around the world. He was also an expert in the field of anesthetics and held posts at Sydney University and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. The Mark Cowley Lidwill Foundation was established to promote and support research in cardiac electrophysiology. Thank you to the Beecroft-Cheltenham Civic Trust for Dr Lidwill’s nomination and I encourage other community groups and local historians to nominate other important local figures.